Criminal Justice and Murder

Promoting Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment

Drugs and the Criminal Justice System

CRIM 66040

Murder: Not Simply Thirty Years to Life

Nicole Washington

March 5, 2012

Charleston Southern University

Jacqueline Fish

Professor

A paper presented to Charleston Southern University in partial fulfillment of degree requirements for Charleston Southern University

Table of Contents

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………3

Introduction......................................................................................................................................4

Murder..............................................................................................................................................5

First Degree Murder.........................................................................................................................6

Second Degree Murder....................................................................................................................7

Manslaughter...................................................................................................................................8

Justified Homicide………………………………………………………..……………………….9

Penalties.........................................................................................................................................10

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….………11

References…………………………………………….………………………………………….14

Violence is a major issue in the United States, with murder ranking as the worst offense. With murder ranking so high, one should. Murder cannot be simply defined and left at its definition. There are different degrees of murder such as first and second degree. However, it does not end there. Manslaughter also has different degrees. It has been found that circumstances help determine the sentencing of defendants.

Violent crimes have plagued the United States for many years. According to the U.S....